This archive was originally published on Thu, 14 Mar 2024. 

On the night before He died, Jesus gathered with his disciples for a meal. The Fourth Gospel tells us that during the meal, Jesus arose from His seat, laid aside His outer garments, took a basin, towel, and water, and washed His disciples’ feet. (This action was typically reserved for servants to perform.) Then, He said: “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do…I give you a new commandment, love one another as I love you.” Love is expressed in self-giving for the other, in service to our brothers and sisters.  On Holy Thursday, we will remember not only the institution of the Eucharist, but also the call to serve. A parishioner once approached me saying: “Father, I would like to personally serve those in need, but because of my schedule, it is very hard for me to do.” Yes, we cannot all go and serve the less fortunate. We cannot all go to Sacred Heart Community. We cannot all join our mission trips. That is why there is an opportunity for us to help financially. Every year, on Holy Thursday, the Church takes up a collection solely to help the poor. Your donations are either given to a charitable organization or used for our own ministries to the less fortunate.  Your monetary gifts on Holy Thursday will be used to help defray some of the cost for our Nicaragua mission trip. Because of inflation, airline tickets have skyrocketed, making it a challenge for some of our missionaries to join. I am asking all of us to please consider supporting this year’s mission trip by generously giving to the collection on Holy Thursday. Your donations will help us continue our work to provide clean water to the many families we serve in rural Nicaragua.  On behalf of Amigos for Christ and the people of Chinandega, thank you for your love and service.  May these final days of Lent be blessed, and your Easter celebration be filled with joy and hope. I look forward to seeing all of you at our Easter Triduum celebrations. 

Blessings,  
Father Ritche